Thaw Your Writing Freeze
Feeling Frozen?
Is it hard to muster the energy to write? Are you void of ideas and inspiration? Here’s a “quick tip” to thaw the writing brain freeze.
READ! Yes, read! What we’ve learned over the years is that reading will release your locked up thought processes and let your imagination expand. If you are a poet, read some poetry – try mixing up several favorite poets with some you’ve never read before. Watch what happens when you absorb the words. Something inside begins to wake up. Try it.
If you write prose, read a short story, read a poem, but above all, read. Read aloud if that’s what it takes. Listen to the phrases, the combination of words and sounds. Where is the writer taking you? Where do you want to go?
If you find it hard to sit still to read, start by watching a documentary. You may find that the barrage of facts and images stirs something in you. Take note — this is the start of inspiration.
Now, go do it!
PRINTED MATTER VANCOUVER 
The biggest struggle I have with my own writing is that, when I have that fire to write its 1am and I have to get up in 4 1/2 hrs to get ready for work, or I’m driving (I have pulled over to write on napkins more than once), or I have to make dinner…and then when I do carve out time to write, there’s a windy silence…
Sometimes I dig out some unfinished work to feel out for a spark–because finishing something else, for me, is always as good as a new peice–over the years I have learned the hard way, to write what is there at the moment it comes-whatever that is-and I can always come back to it later and see what happens…
But that still leaves me with the struggle of… time vs. “work” vs. peopleinmylife vs. muse vs. sleep vs. neurosis
Anyone learned any tricks thus far for where to find The Time?
Denise,
I agree with Christopher and also understand the challenges you mention. Seems like the day’s work follows me all the way to bedtime, and if that was the time i wanted to be creative, well, no such luck! One thing I suggest is a five-day “quick jotting exercise.” Take five minutes at bedtime and five minutes when you wake up to “jot” down the answers to the following prompts. At bedtime use any or all of these: how do I feel about today; what was unexpected about today; what would I change about today? For morning use any or all of these: what do I expect of myself today; how will I make it happen; what would I like to learn today? After five days of “jotting” down your thoughts, you will have a few themes. What you choose to do with these themes is up to you. Perhaps a poem, a story, a memory, or a drawing. One thing will be certain: you will have written something new for five days and that’s a great start!
much good luck,
toni
Thank you Toni,
Sounds really interesting! I’ll try it and write back after…
Denise
Denise,
I think the key is to avoid compartmentalizing the things that we do. Keep your mind active at all times, even when you are not able to write. I try to be as aware of my environment and my inner life as possible throughout the day, no matter where I am. That way, when I do find the time to work on writing, I am not starting from scratch. I also carry a notebook with me everywhere I go, and jot down fragments or notes for future projects as they arise. I would also recommend connecting with the writing community where you live. Please contact us (printedmattervancouver@gmail.com) if you’d like to discuss these matters in more detail, and good luck with your writing!
Gratefully yours,
Christopher Luna
Thanks Christopher,
I’ve thought about the trick of carrying a notebook around a few times, and been afraid to loose the book – but it might be time to give it a shot anyway…I have a little one I can try it with.
Denise